7 Best Cheap Parallettes of 2026

These solid beech wooden parallettes deliver a rare blend of elegance and performance, making them a standout in the budget-friendly category. The 9.05″ by 6.89″ four-point base provides exceptional stability, while the recessed silicone feet are deeply anchored to prevent peeling—something many wooden models struggle with. What truly sets these apart is the 1.6-inch diameter handle, which offers a plush, splinter-free grip that’s gentle on the wrists during high-rep sets or extended L-sits, solving a common pain point for users with joint sensitivity.

In real-world testing, they shine on hard floors and low-pile carpets, staying firmly planted during handstands and planche leans. The natural wood grain not only feels premium but also delivers a slightly tackier grip than metal when palms get sweaty—though they’re not ideal for outdoor use on rough surfaces due to potential scratching. At just under 12 inches in height, they’re best suited for foundational movements like push-ups, dips, and planks, though taller users may find the clearance limiting for deep ab workouts.

Compared to steel alternatives like the RELIFE 14-inch model, these prioritize joint comfort and aesthetic appeal over maximum height and portability. They’re perfect for home users who value wrist health and minimalist design, especially those integrating calisthenics into daily routines. While they lack the adjustability of metal frames, their ready-to-use solid build and included training poster give them an edge for beginners—offering more holistic value than bare-bones metal sets at a similar price point.

For taller athletes or serious calisthenics practitioners, the RELIFE 14-inch parallettes are a game-changer, delivering professional-grade performance in a compact steel frame. The 14-inch height unlocks a greater range of motion for deep dips, full planche progressions, and handstand push-ups—movements where shorter models fall short. Built with 1.8mm thickened steel tubing and reinforced anti-loosening nuts, these bars boast 660LB load capacity and resist wobbling even during explosive movements, making them ideal for advanced training.

During testing, the foam-padded handles proved exceptionally comfortable during high-volume sets, absorbing sweat and reducing palm fatigue far better than bare metal. The adjustable rubber feet were a standout—rotating them allowed perfect leveling on a slightly uneven basement floor, eliminating any rocking during L-sits. While the 17.13” length offers excellent shoulder clearance, their size makes them slightly less convenient for tight spaces or travel compared to more compact models like the Teclor.

When stacked against the TABEKE 14-inch model, both share similar height and steel construction, but RELIFE edges ahead with superior foam grip density and a more secure fastening system. These are best for intermediate to advanced users focused on skill development and strength gains, particularly those over 5’10” who need extra clearance. They offer better long-term durability and adjustability than wooden options, justifying their place as a top pick for tall users despite being slightly bulkier than other steel sets.

The TABEKE 14-inch steel parallettes are a comfort-first powerhouse, engineered for users who log long training sessions and demand wrist support and grip security. The full-coverage 1.5-inch foam handles wrap the entire top bar, creating a pillowy yet firm surface that stays cool and non-slip even during sweaty HIIT circuits. With a 660LB weight limit and 1.8mm steel tubing, they match industry standards for durability while emphasizing ergonomic excellence—a rare focus in budget steel models.

In practice, these bars excel during extended handstand holds and L-sit progressions, where grip comfort directly impacts performance. The thickened foam significantly reduces pressure on the metacarpals, a common complaint with hard metal bars. Like the RELIFE model, they feature rotatable rubber feet for uneven surfaces, though their base is slightly narrower, requiring more careful placement on slick tiles. At 14 inches high, they offer optimal clearance for full-body engagement, especially in deep dips and ab wheel rollouts.

Compared to the AmazeFan 12-inch model, the TABEKE wins in height and padding, making it better for advanced users prioritizing joint health. While it doesn’t fold or disassemble as quickly as the Teclor, its two-minute assembly and compact design still make it highly portable. These are the go-to choice for athletes with wrist sensitivities or those logging frequent home workouts, offering a softer, more forgiving feel than bare-metal alternatives without sacrificing strength—making them a clear leader in comfort-driven design.

If space-saving and on-the-go training are your priorities, the AmazeFan 12-inch parallettes are a portability masterpiece, blending lightweight design with rugged functionality. Weighing just 4.5 lbs and breaking down in seconds, they’re effortless to toss in a gym bag or stash under a bed—ideal for apartment dwellers or frequent travelers. The carbon steel frame and 3–8mm thickened anti-slip feet ensure stability across surfaces from hardwood to concrete, making them surprisingly versatile despite their compact size.

During real-world use, they held firm during handstands and L-sits on both carpet and tile, with the rotatable feet effectively compensating for minor floor imperfections. The cushioned foam grips offer decent wrist protection, though they’re slightly thinner than TABEKE’s, making them less ideal for ultra-long sessions. At 12 inches high, they strike a balance between clearance and stability, suitable for most bodyweight exercises—though very tall users might prefer the 14-inch RELIFE or TABEKE for deeper range.

Compared to the Teclor model, the AmazeFan is lighter and more travel-friendly, though it lacks the same welded steel thickness (2mm vs 1.8mm). They’re best for beginners and intermediate users who train in varied locations or have limited storage. While not the most feature-rich, their ease of transport and quick setup make them a smarter choice than bulkier models when mobility is king—offering solid performance in a featherlight package.

The Teclor 9.5-inch parallettes are the gold standard for balanced performance, earning their “Best Overall” title through precision engineering and user-centric design. With 2mm fully welded steel tubing—thicker than most competitors—they deliver tank-like stability even during full planche leans or explosive handstand drills. The dual-screw locking system on each joint enhances rigidity, eliminating the wobble that plagues cheaper knock-down models, while the textured rubber feet grip tenaciously on tile, wood, and concrete.

In testing, they remained rock-solid during repeated L-sit transitions and deep push-ups, with the 1.5-inch foam-covered handle offering a secure, sweat-resistant grip. The 9.5-inch height is a sweet spot for most users—tall enough for proper form, short enough for control—making them ideal for both beginners and advanced athletes. Their 17” x 8.3” footprint provides ample shoulder room without hogging floor space, and at just 2 minutes to assemble, they’re among the quickest to deploy.

Compared to the KISENG wooden model, the Teclor offers superior durability, adjustability, and performance under load, despite a slightly higher weight. They’re the best all-rounder for users who want commercial-grade build quality without overspending. Whether you’re training at home, in the office, or outdoors, they deliver consistent, wobble-free performance—making them a smarter long-term investment than basic push-up stands or flimsy wooden sets.

The KISENG 7.87-inch wooden parallettes are the ultimate budget-friendly entry point into calisthenics, offering solid performance without the premium price tag. Crafted from high-quality solid wood, they feature a wide triangular base and rubber feet that deliver surprising stability for their size, supporting up to 600 lbs with minimal sway. The smooth-finished handles are gentle on the wrists, and the included non-slip tape adds an extra layer of security for handstand beginners or those rehabbing injuries.

In real-world use, they’re ideal for foundational movements like push-ups, planks, and short L-sits, though their lower height limits deep ab work or full dips. The no-assembly design is a major win—unbox and go, with no tools or frustration. While they lack the height and adjustability of steel models, their one-piece construction ensures zero wobble from loose joints, a common flaw in knock-down sets. They’re best suited for beginners, seniors, or rehab users who need a simple, reliable platform for joint-safe training.

Compared to the COCTN wooden model, the KISENG is shorter and less feature-rich but wins on price and convenience—no screws, no setup, just immediate use. They don’t match the durability of steel parallettes, but for users focused on form, recovery, or casual training, they offer exceptional value. If you want a no-fuss, ready-to-use wooden stand to start your calisthenics journey, this is the most cost-effective way in.

The KISENG Hybrid parallettes are a brilliant fusion of wood and steel, combining the natural comfort of beech wood with the rugged adjustability of metal brackets—a rare hybrid that excels in both feel and function. The 1.5-inch solid wood handles provide a warm, non-slip grip that’s easier on the joints than cold metal, while the heavy-duty steel brackets ensure long-term durability and resistance to twisting. With a 13.4” x 8.9” base and 5.9” height, they offer excellent knuckle clearance and stability for L-sits, handstands, and deep push-ups.

During testing, the protective foam tape on the metal feet prevented floor scratches and added grip, even on polished tiles. The thick wood grain absorbed moisture well, reducing slippage during intense sessions. While not as tall as 14-inch steel models, their height is sufficient for most intermediate movements, and the metal joints allow disassembly for storage—something solid wood models can’t offer. They’re also lighter than all-steel sets, making them easier to move around.

Compared to the COCTN solid wood model, this hybrid design offers better portability and structural resilience without sacrificing wrist comfort. It’s the best choice for users who want the feel of wood with the longevity of steel, particularly those training on multiple surfaces or needing easy storage. While slightly pricier than pure wood options, the dual-material build delivers superior versatility—making it a smarter long-term investment than either wood-only or basic steel bars.